Reviews (page 11 of 13)
Nah. Seems wrong to give an album 1 star that includes Fairytale of New York but I was just waiting for this to end and don’t see myself ever coming back to it. I’m sure it’s a great album if you love Irish folk but it was very much not for me.
I didn't expect to like it this much, really enjoyed it
9/10
good start...cool first impression. i like the sound ACTUALLY, ngl. hm i like this guy's vibe. OHHH my god this is the band that sings Fairytale of New York I KNOW THAT SONGGGGG. completely forgot i know that song omgomgomgogm great, nice album
Fun, dance-able, bouncy
Spacey
I don't know. I believe that it's a great album for it's genre, but I kinda hate the genre!
They were nice but I'd probably not go back for the whole album.
Mu gustó, la instrumental es muy buena. La voz es algo mala pero le da un buen toque Rock.
I’m a sucker for Irish music!
God bless Shane McGowan.
Pretty great album, better than expected and flows well.
Not really my cup of tea but there were some fun drinking songs on there. I cant understand why their most listened song by a long shot was Fairytale of NY...not a very good song at all. This wont be in rotation but I can see myself blasting a few tracks on St. Paddy's Day
May save for some rpg game background music
Not the type of music I enjoy, like not at all
I’m a big fan of Flogging Molly so I’m surprised this has escaped me for so long. I love Shane’s voice. All these songs are right up my alley. This album is just a fun time.
What a blast. Maybe the stars aligned my need for a rousing rollicking record and this being my next album. As Infrantino may have said “Today I feel Irish.”
Not my style but I really enjoyed listening to this album. Fairytale of new York is a phenomenal song.
Maybe not my favorite Pogues album, but definitely the Best Pogues album. Shane McGowan's songwriting is at its peak and the band has a power and focus that was lost in the murky folk of Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash. An absolute riot from start to finish - if this is hell, we should all be so lucky as to fall from grace.
My family has a xmas eve tradition that includes singing the beat xmas song ever (my wife routinely calls me a bum and a punk year round). I enjoy an occasional wack fol the do fol the diddly idle ay maybe more than I should. I like this album. So buy yourself a drink, turn up the volume, dance, cuss, sing loud, and enjoy this beauty from Shane and the lads. If you like it, join me on November 30th every year by hoisting a glass, listening to this album, or Rum, Sodomy, and the Lash. RIP Shane.
This album is fantastic. I'm a big fan of Irish traditional music as well as Celtic punk and the Pogues were at the forefront of bringing traditional music into punk to perfectly encapsulate the politically charged feeling of the time. We unfortunately lost Shane MacGowan last November, but his voice and sneer are immortal can carry with them the anxieties and anger of a generation caught in a generational colonial struggle. The music is diverse and ranges from straight punk/post-punk, traditional Irish music, jazz, and even incorporates middle-eastern motifs.
fun, fairytale najdraza
Poguesi ubijaju, prekrasan album.
I was familiar with the Christmas song on this album, but had never heard much else from The Pogues. Now I’m more of a fan! I can say that I will be throwing this album on every St Patty’s Day from now on for sure!
Love me some Irish music
Aquí está "Fairytale of New York" y ya eso lo convierte en un disco especial. Con la reciente muerte de Shane escuchar este disco ha sido algo diferente. Además de recordar "Fiesta" de cuando salió este disco y que era una canción diferente de lo que era la típica "música irlandesa". La verdad es que tuvieron un gran momento musical internacional y llevaron esta música más allá de sus fronteras naturales. Un gran disco que merece ser escuchado por lo que es y por lo que significa.
This album is FUN
An extremely good Album
One of the greatest albums of the 80s. So much more to enjoy then Fairytale of NY
I feel bad only pulling these guys out on March 17. Good stuff.
Excellent example and great performances. I wish I liked this kind of music. It's great to dance to, but I'm not a fan of just listening to it.
real talent, but not my style
Love the Pogues! I hadn’t listened to this album in full as far as I know. Great collection of songs with a slightly expanded sound from the Sodomy album I’m familiar with.
NO - Polka!
Loved it
Always fun to listen to these guys.
I just can’t get into this band. I love the Irish, but apparently not their music.
Fun album but a little too long and incohesive. Some fun songs on this album but it's just too long. Repeats: if I should fall from the grace of god, Turkish song of the damned, fairytale of newyork, sit down by the fire Skips:recruiting sergeant, worms, battle March medley
Full of classic songs.
Aggressively Irish. Not particularly for me today.
HMMMMM. Like celtisk musikk, men ikkje celtisk punk. Detta va folkesangete nok til å passera. Litt lei av den julesangen, og litt lei av folk som seie at dei ikkje like andre julesanga enn den julesangen
I once went to a bar deep in Astoria, Queens, because I was told Shane MacGowan often played there after Pogues shows in New York City. My friends and I proceeded to get blackout drunk, singing along to whatever songs they played at the bar waiting for Shane to arrive. I honestly cannot say whether he showed up or not, but the parts of what I remember, still rank as one of the greatest nights of my life. This album reminds me of that night, and all the other amazing experiences I've had while listening to the Pogues. And absolutely essential band with an energy that you rarely see outside of punk rock dive into this album, as well as Red Roses for Me and Rum, Sodomy and the Lash, and discover your new favorite band.
Sorry I can’t
This was the second Pogues album I listened to after hearing about Shane Macgowan’s death just over a month ago. The first was of course Rum Sodomy & The Lash. And as such I’m incredibly pissed off at the British public for, well most things really, we are a bunch of bastards, but specifically making Last Christmas the number 1 Christmas song this year. George Michael died in 2016, 2017 would have been the year to commemorate him, but you feckless pricks streamed Ed bloody Sheeran instead. There is however something fitting about The Pogues not hitting No.1, being always No.2 (or No.6 in this case.) Last Christmas was always going to be big. It was designed to be big. Shane MacGowan helmed a crew of motley, unruly, drunken underdogs from either Eire herself or Kentish Town who interspersed tradition folk songs with drinking songs and genuinely beautiful bits of music about losers, migrants, love, revolution and everything inbetween. They were not supposed to get anywhere near the chart, let alone number 2. So it’s easy to see the success of Fairytale of New York and of the band themselves as a grassroots movement. They are the real music of the people, not of record execs and worried parents. The filth and grime and ragged nicotine stained vocals, the humanity and empathy and sheer fucking beauty of the music, who could listen to the chorus of Thousands Are Sailing and not feel moved? This is humanity in all our sweaty, dirty, intelligent, creative, and majestic brilliance
A nice change to my usual music. I liked Fairytale of New York and Mountain Dew the best.
- “what if we put every genre possible into an album and gave it an overall celtic vibe”
Highlights: Turkish Song of the Damned, Bottle of Smoke, Fairytale of New York, Fiesta, Medley: The Recruiting Sergeant/The Rocky Road to Dublin/The Galway Races, Sit Down By The Fire. In a nutshell: raise your glass and sing it proud. The gritty and dirty Pogues make a polished album, one of the best of the decade. I recommend you have the lyrics nearby before pressing play, sometimes Shane's singing voice renders some songs incomprehensible (jury is still out if it’s the thick accent or if it’s alcohol induced) After you finish this album, Google "Rockwiz Fairytale of New York". This live cover - featuring Tex Perkins, Clare Bowditch and backing band The RocKwiz Orkestra - is sentimental to many Australian music fans. You might just fall in love with Tex, Clare, the backing band or all of the above. Overall: 7/10
Un disco muy interesante de folk, que mezcla los sonidos típicos irlandeses con interpretaciones que rozan el punk. De cierta forma, creo que pudo haber influenciado en los discos freak-folk que salieron después de 1988.
Oh fuck off
Love this album beyond words. Absolutely raucous fun, extremely tight instrumentals, perfect singing voice for the feel, a myriad of feels covered from front to back. This album feels like it was singularly made for me. Excellent, excellent, excellent. RIP Shane. Favorite tracks: Metropolis; Medley: The Recruiting Sergeant / The Rocky Road to Dublin / The Galway Races
always love the pogues 🤍
Porque son The Pogues ....
Nah cause why's this actually really good.
eh
They are the predecessors of Flogging Molly and Drop Kick Murphys.
Totally unfamiliar with this band and their influence on modern Irish music; however, I discovered I did knew Fairytale of New York as it has played in several Christmas movies. Overall this was great! This is the type of album where I could leave on in the background and one song just flows into the next. I especially liked Bottle of Smoke and Streets of Sorrow. I'm looking forward to hearing more from these Irish gents.
The Pogues are the inspiration of a lot of punk/ska bands from the 90’s and this album proves that. 19 songs is it a little much but each is enjoyable. Irish rock kinda rules when you take the departure from st pattys in Chicago Flogging Molly and Dropkick tunes.
Ja the pogues man, ik geef vier sterren om niet te vaak vijf sterren te geven maar wat een legende.
Jaaaa.....doe maar 3 sterren
Idk this is pretty cool. I mean, there was a period where I did kind of like Dropkick Murphys and a little Flogging Molly, and this band is clearly a huge influence. It really hits home in a way. This is a good album! For me, I like it quite a bit more than the Waterboys. I’m going 4.
I listened to the original release track listing, not the 2004 reissue. Many of the songs I felt like I was in some theme park or watching a movie where the characters are thrown onto a dance floor and must do some crazy group dance. For those songs' high tempo and energy I expected to like it more, but I wanted it to be more catchy and for the main vocalist to sound less subdued. Overall very folksy but with a wide range of stuff that sounds jazzy and influenced by other countries; it's well-made but not something that excites me. 4/10
I cannot say enough how much I love this band
This album makes me want to run downhill into battle with nothing but a sock of coins in one hand, and a hurley in another.
I LOVED! This album! I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this group. I don’t think this will go on the rotation at parties or anything, but maybe gym/running music.
Irish Folk Rock. Passt perfekt im Pub
echt afschuwelijk, men kan dit fatoe vinden maar ik vind het echt parra bad!!!
Jos multa kerran saa tähtiä sen perusteella, ilahduttaako levy, tää sais ensikuulemalta 3 tähteä. Ja tää ei ollut ensikuulema. Jopa instrumentaalit ilahduttaa. Kritisoin tosin reippaasti levyn pituutta: melodiat alkaa kuulostaa samalta. Mut sit välissä tulee eri.
Shanen jo tuhoutuvan äänen salaisuus on siinä, miten hän käyttää konsonantteja mitätöimään laulunsa heikoutta: sanan alkuun oikealla tavalla sylkäisty S tai P tekevät vireestä irrelevantin, ja nostavat lopputuloksen osaamisen ja osaamattomuuden käsitteiden yläpuolelle. Mitä tulee musiikkiin, levy kärsii siitä, että Shanen bändikaverit ovat ottaneet yhtyeen "demokraattisuuden" liian tosissaan. Fuusiokyhäelmät käyvät hyvin nopeasti vanhoiksi (erityisesti lähes kuuntelukelvoton Fiesta). Olennaista on kuitenkin se, että myös Shane-vetoisille, näennäisille täytebiiseille on jätetty tilaa. B-puoli on Medleystä lähtien täyttä, odottamatonta kultaa, ja jokainen biisi liikuttaa. Samoin levyn avaukappale, hitti sekä - mahdollisesti kaikista koskettavimpana - Bottle of Smoke (hevosen nimi).
This one was interesting. I don’t normally go for Celtic-punk albums because they tend to lack variety, but I did enjoy this one. Not sure if it’s worth adding to my regular rotation, but it was a great vibe and deserves a little respect to gain global recognition with an unpopular genre
Well, this was a different album. Somewhere crossed between British punk, mariachi, polka, and a sea shanty, The Pogues win an award for weirdness. While the upbeat tempo and interesting musical shenanigans helped keep interest through the album, the high praise seems perhaps unreasonable.
I'm torn when it comes to the Pogues and Shane- their wit, energy and foot-tapping infectious music are a joy to listen to. This album has some great songs- one very famous and a couple of well done traditional covers. However I'm not keen on their credentials or some of their more extreme politics. At the end of the day the music wins.
Some things just aren't for me. This style of music is one of those. This group is the best at that style. That makes for good listening for 3-4 songs. Then I hope that maybe I stop hearing it.
Irish jig with a bit of edge. I like it, but won't be on my repeat list
Fever dream of an album at times, not sure I love the blend of punk and folk despite my typical enjoyment of those genres. +1 of the original sound and lyrical content, but music is just not for me.
I loved this.
This album still sticks with me. I think I prefer Peace and Love as it always felt a bit more rounded. But still a great album. Kirsty MacColl on the album is a bonus for me.
Very fun listen. Hard not to smile and bop along. Boys loved it too.
Rennfest music. Ok
This album really surprised me. I think the last combo I would ever come up with is Irish folk punk, but it works so well. Almost every song on this album is just so fun to listen to. Not many really stand out, but they’re all equally good, it’s very hard to choose a favourite. So far, I believe this is the only punk album I’ve enjoyed, though everything kind of started to feel samey eventually. It’s all just music I can imagine hearing in a bar. 8/10 Top 5: 1. Thousands Are Sailing 2. Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six 3. If I Should Fall from Grace with God 4. Fairytale of New York 5. The Irish Rover
Not really my kind of music, I do generally like celtic music, especially those with uilleann pipes, but this is just not it for me.
63/100
A couple of recognisable/memorable tracks
Very good Irish tunes, album just a bit long
Ah yeah sure you know yourself.
Decent album and got the famous Xmas song in it
Love it, going to add this to the rotation.
Yes should listen more of this Irish pearl
This was an extremely fun album with amazing traditional Irish instrumentation. The vocals were very fun and I loved the political lyrics of resistance. FUCK ENGLAND IRELAND FOREVER!!
Of course, I preferred them when they were still called Pogue Mahone. :)
High tempo tour de force, even with the Xmas song thrown in there
I'd like it more if I could hear the vocals. But it was jaunty.
Thousands are sailing is a great tune. Enjoyed this album.
The Pogues are great. I always expect that I am not going to like them all that much, but then I listen to them and it's great. This album is great and is probably their most interesting and their best.
Not my favourite album. Didn’t love the mix of punk and traditional Irish music. 2/5
Surprisingly good Irish drinking song esque
I didn’t love it, it feels like the manic backing track to a comedy movie scene. I suppose it has its place but wherever that is I must be a stranger. It does seem like music that would be much better live than recorded.
Not for me
Really felt the Irish pride
Surprised by this one. Enjoyed more than I thought I would.
There are so many folk-rock albums out there which supersede this one, that I am wholly vexed why this album is in the list. At times I hear poor imitations of Fairport Convention from an instrumental viewpoint, and at other times the singing and lyrical content does that "joke rock" thing that became prevalent in the 1990s (among acts such as The Presidents of the United States, etc.). While I appreciate the musicality, I feel like there are much stronger albums in this genre that could have been included in this list. Underwhelmed.
This shit rules, very fun to listen to Having a decent day today, didn't have any bad interactions with people. Had a good meeting with Megan, need to work on my supplemental essays a lot but everything feels possible right now.
Surprisingly hilarious, brimming with heart and rough around the edges. An instant classic.
A fun, wild and unpredictable album. The voice (and dialect) of the singer was truly unique.
I love this album - though I have not got into Irish folk generally. It's strange, because the more traditional songs on this album are my favourites. Perhaps I should investigate further.
Celtic and punk music are a match made in heaven, aren't they? There's something about the punk attitude that screams Ireland, and hearing what could at first listen be sweet, lilting Irish folk music morph into the angry, drunken wailing that makes up much of this album is a whole lotta fun. Lyrically rather funny, and a little grating by the end of the affair. Feels like spending an hour in an Irish pub, for better and for worse. 3.5 stars, probably, but I'm rounding down, because things felt a little one-note by the end.
For a pure Pogues experience, you may wish to go with Rum, Sodomy and the Lash. But If I Should Fall from Grace with God is more polished and musically far ranging, the band's best album by far. Somewhere I have a well worn cassette of this album, which was a frequent companion during my teen years. This was exhilarating to hear 35 years ago, and it has lost none of its fire. In fact I would say this album has improved with age. What a joyful whirlwind of a listen this is. Sometimes pissy and cranky and rowdy, but also rootsy, melodic and charming. The songs have a strong pop sensibility, but the band also makes you feel the sweep of history, a sound somehow old as time but incredibly fresh. Lyrically heartfelt and eloquent, darkly humorous, and frequently mournful. Surprisingly diverse musically, with elements of punk, jazz and traditional Irish folk, seasoned with a a little Spanish/Middle Eastern spice and punctuated with a rebel yell. It's hard to pick a favorite on this album. "Fairytale of New York" is heartbreakingly lovely and just soars above the rest of the album, so much so that it somehow became a holiday standard. But I also have a special fondness for the f-bomb laden "Bottle of Smoke" and the sweet sadness of "Streets of Sorrow." Also, having grown up in a household hearing a lot of Mexican music, "Fiesta" is a real delight. Not a bad song on here. Fave Songs (All songs, from most to least favorite): Fairytale of New York, Bottle of Smoke, If I Should Fall from Grace with God, The Broad Majestic Shannon, Sit Down by the Fire, Fiesta, Lullaby of London, Medley: The Recruiting Sergeant/The Rocky Road to Dublin/The Galway Races, Streets of Sorrow/Birmingham Six, Thousands Are Sailing, Turkish Song of the Damned, Metropolis, Worms
I've only heard Fairytale of New York before from The Pogues and it doesn't really represent the style they have on this album. It's Irish folk mixed with a punkish style. If I ever have the feeling for some Irish music this would probably be my choice.
Didn't know they covered sea shanties. FoNY FTW
I feel like I should be sitting in a pub drinking a pint of Guinness while listening to this record. Better than I was expecting. In fact, it was rather enjoyable, but I definitely have to be in the right mood when listening to Irish Folk-Punk.
Good Listen. Not sure i'd listen to it outside a pub, but I definitely listened here.
Fairy Tale in New York is overrated drunken Christmas fodder but thankfully there’s lots of decent stuff here to make an enjoyable album.
Traditional Irish delivered with a punk aesthetic… what’s not to love. Probably the most holistic Pogues album with the best songs. Love it.
It's fine. Punky enough to earn a passing grade but too Celtic and folky for me to earn higher marks. It would be better to hear this at a British or Irish pub while sipping some Jamesons.
On first listen I really like it - I mean The Pogues are legends for a reason. I've always had some disdain for Fairytaile... because it's a good song that's ruined by the Christmas setting. It fits neatly into this album, though. And having it on the same album as "The Broad Majestic Shannon" really highlights that. Toying with so many different genres really paid off as well, it's not a predictable album at all.
This was really not my thing. My score doesn't reflect upon the quality, just didn't like it.
Is "Celtic punk" a genre with more than one member? I suppose I night be surprised. Not always a fan of what McGowan voice (or punk inflections generally) add to what is often essentially traditional music. But itnis exactly what it means to be and the musicianship is first rate.
The beauty of doing something like listening to a new album every day for 1001 days is that the chances of me running into stuff like this are high. And I'm sure this won't be the last time I'm left a little confused by an album. When I saw the genre tag of Celtic Rock, I really didn't know what I was expecting. But at that same time, it sounded exactly like I thought it would. Anyone reading this can probably think of what this might sound like in their head right now, and they probably wouldn't be too far off. If I Should Fall From Grace With God might be as Celtic as rock can get. This feels like music pirates might listen to. I can't pretend like this is my thing at all, but I kind of mess with it. What they do on some of these songs sounds super interesting, and they are definitely a talented group of people. Plus I think Celtic punk is a good descriptor, because there are definitely some underlying political themes in these songs, and if you were to replace all of the fancy string instruments they use with more traditional western hard rock instrumentation, this would be a fantastic 80's punk record. I'll give credit where credit is due. I can't imagine myself ever really coming back to listen to any of these songs, but the fact a group of people were ballsy and creative enough to come together and make something like this is really cool.
Enjoyable enough, annoying enough. Typical world music never fails
I’ve heard this a million times and it’s still just as exciting and fun as the first. Shane’s a legend and the band are perfect. RIP Kirsty, Phil and Darryl.
I get it. They're Irish. I wanted to like this one, but it was about 30 minutes too long. 3 feels too high. 2 feels low, but they don't let you give half scores.
Meh, kinda samey
devuelvan las malvinas
not for me
This is so much fun. This entire album was probably injected by a comically large syringe labeled "FUN". Craving some potatoes right now. The only issue is that this album is too long. Just very slightly too long.
Yep. It's Irish folk punk.
It’s a difficult and mostly thankless task to take a genre that’s centuries old and form into a style that’s digestible for a modern listener, but The Pogues are next to none when it comes to Irish folk music. I didn’t expect there to be much range and wasn’t shocked, but what was surprise me was how much intensity and emotion these guys put into these songs. Best enjoyed when singing and clapping along. 4/5
Foi um bom album, mas um pouco repetitivo.
One of my all-time favorite albums. A fantastic blend of Irish folk and punk!
Folk Punk may be my favorite genre.
Soild Irish folk/punk album, deserves its place on the list.
Interesting stuff. Never really listened to The Pogues before. My wife’s family is almost 100% Irish and I have a son with a very Irish name. So I have to listen to this and enjoy it. I don’t think it is a full 4 stars for me, but it is more than 3 stars. So I think I will go 4 stars because I would listen to this again.
Punk-folk celta. Vinilo.
Tough not to get carried away and stamp your feet into the ground for this one. I could not understand a single word. Except 'Worms'. I unfortunately understood all words of whatever that was.
Given the heavy amount of stomping around, my downstairs neighbor should consider herself lucky, that I was on holiday while listening to this.
If there was an Irish spin on a Polka Festival that took place in the Boston Harbor, this would probably be the soundtrack
I really want to give it 5*s for Fiesta and Fairytale of New York, and for being such strong influence in the Celtic/folk punk world. But there's a bit too much filler. Any normal person would have come away with a serious brain injury after Shane and Spidey's performance of Fiesta when we saw them in Manchester. Just a standard Saturday night for those 2. Rest in Pieces, you crazy, crazy man.
A couple more bangers and it could've been a 4. Obviously contains the GOAT christmas song
Man I wish I'd heard fiesta years ago. So many B side bangers.
Irish folk punk, is that what this is? It was decent, better than the previous Irish one that came up, The Waterboys. I probably won't listen to it again, though.
I enjoyed this more than I expected to maybe a few too many filler tracks near the end but that’s to be expected for a 60 minute + album
A few good tracks in Fairytale of New York, Turkish Song Of The Damned, and Thousands Are Sailing but that's all.
Better than I expected
Pogues at their best. Back then a new take on traditionel Irish folk music. Today still good
Super fun! Gonna have a bunch of these stuck in my head.
3.5
Highlights: If I Should Fall From Grace With God, Turkish Song of the Damned, Fairytale of New York Gets very repetitive after a few songs
Pretty cool sound on this album & great instrumentation throughout, really paved the way forward for Celtic punk, sounds much more modern than 1987 to me. Classic tracks like Fairytale of New York and Ships Are Sailing are standouts, but I did tire a bit of the album by the end. There's just not much variation in the sound, it's one very cool sound and a decent album, but it's a bit too long for as little as it ventures out of that one sound.
Didn't enjoy this as much as I expected to. I guess I only like Pogues music when it is live.
not for me
Too much of a nice thing. But, still nice.
folk punk! upbeat and lively, tis a genre that is fun to experience in a live setting. shane macgowan and his signature accent, while often making the lyrics indecipherable, definitely adds to it he music’s charm. while i had sporadically heard a pogues song here and there, this was my first time to hear an entire album. great listen and i need to explore more of their catalog. highlights: “turkish song of the damned”, “bottle of smoke”, “sit down by the fire”.
It's a Pogues album. If you like this kind of music, you'll love this album. This is one of those "Finest examples of X music" kind of albums. If you're into Irish punk-folk, this is the bees knees. I'm very hot and cold on the genre and therefore the album. So... 3 stars.
Solid stuff from a great band. Not my favorite Pogues album but great nonetheless.
Fun,dance album
Not it for me
This was a bit more varied in style than Rum Sodomy & the Lash, and I wasn't sure at first if I liked that. But listening again, I did. It's a great album.
Another fun album to be introduced to!
Amazing. Just...beyond...everything. If heaven has a DJ, they play The Pogues a LOT.
Fairytale of New York is one of my favorite Christmas songs, so I was excited to listen to this album. It did not disappoint!
Another fun one, though I agree with another review that said this was too much diddly dee
As someone who isn't a fan of the current Irish punk bands that are currently very popular (Flogging Molly, Dropkick Murphy's, etc), I didn't expect to really like this album very much. I found it to be pleasant, though I don't know if I would revisit the album often. This album was very clearly influential on bands today and so it deserves a spot on this list.
Jamming hard, these boys are.
Excellent Irish album, be lovely for a good drinking night / patio day.
Bit whiny but ok
Oh great, another Pogues album. It starts out better than the other one, musically I kind of like it actually. The main problem remains the singing - or more accurately, drunk wailing - of Shane MacGowan, most obvious in 'Fairytale of New York' (full disclosure: I didn't listen past this song). Why that song ever became a hit I cannot fathom. It's bad enough that I have to listen to it every December, I'm not going to put myself through that at any other time of year. 2 stars for the Irish tunes.
bro the way they reorganized the tracklist for the expanded edition irks me so bad. like HOW do og tracks become bonus tracks in the reissue????? bottle of smoke is kinda tough bro what is that interpolation on metropolis...crazy vibe switch and damn an even crazier vibe switch with fiesta "guys what if we all just cheered haha like we were all like super hype" -a really smart guy who is really good at making music
wow
Wasn't familiar with the Pogues before this and didn't know this genre predated Flogging Molly. Interesting, but not my bag.
This was a tough one. I wanted to like it a lot and a few of the more highly rated songs I did. But just did not hook me. The influence they have had on other bands though seems evident.
What is everyone's aversion to Irish folk, because I'm so dead serious when I say that I loved this. I was in a good mood the whole time. I'd like to grab a couple of pints with these guys- they seem like they know how to have a really good time.
You probably deserved a 1 considering I needed to suffer through 2 of your albums on this generator. Both albums were pretty awful. But somehow, not at that level of awful. Not coming back ever, that's for sure.
D+ If I Should Fall From Grace with God - 1 Turkish Song of the Damned - 2 Bottle of Smoke - 1 Fairytale of New York - 3 Metropolis - 2 Thousands Are Sailing - 2, tell me this ain’t Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Fiesta - 2 Medley: the Recruiting Sergeant / the Rocky Road to Dublin / Galway Races - 2 Streets of Sorrow / Birmingham Six - 2 Lullaby of London - 2 Sit Down By the Fire - 2 The Broad Majestic Shannon - 1 Worms - 2 As expected, The Pogues are an embarrassment to music everywhere, except Ireland. Bloody torturous, innit?
That was surprising and delightful!
The lovely thing about this list is that while I knew about the Pogues (and I have previously been assigned Rum Sodomy & The Lash), I would never have put this on without this exercise. This is better than the other one and their sound, which seems to me truly unique, is this amazing mishmash of cultural styles that keeps entertaining. And their skills are much better since the other album as well. I even made it through the "extended version" of the album before I realized it was coming over.
Really didn’t enjoy this one. Not a fan of Irish music.
Much better than I thought, just not my thing
Love me some Pogues anytime of the year
If I'm being brutally honest, this isn't quite as good of an album as Rum Sodomy & The Lash. But... it has Fairytale of New York on it... So five stars it is!
Album 53 of 1001 The Pogues - If I Should Fall From Grace With God Favorite Track : Fairytale of New York Rating : 3 / 5 Irish Folk/Punk/Rockabilly... Totally unknown to me. Fun listen. Entertaining.
I was shocked at how diverse the album was. I love the Pogues, great album and it was cool to see the Dubliners on there too. 8.5/10
Beautiful songs but a little strident or over the top at times. I can't picture myself being in the mood for this record too often. The more melodic straightforward songs (such as the opener track) are all golden!
My only gripe with the last album is that it got a bit too samey; I guess they listened, because this was an extravagant, varied masterpiece.
I just always find Celtic Punk scratches all the right itches, and this is no exception. I'd say I particularly enjoy that sometimes the Celtic and Punk Elements are not evenly balanced, which brings a welcome diversity of sound.
Fairytale of NY is as perfect a song as could be. Not just the perfect Christmas song but probably the most perfect song full stop. The rest of the album is pretty great as well with the folk sound enriched by influences from all over the world as well as punk. The only knock against it is that it’s a bit too long
This is a great album. I've been a fan of it for years and getting it here was a treat after having to endure The Libertines yesterday. Every track is enjoyable, the title track is infectious (it was even in a Subaru commercial some years ago) and Fairy Tale of New York is the best Christmas song ever (fight me). There's simply nothing that I don't like about this album.
Olé los borrachuzos de los pogues (LNB) Sólo puedo decir...Fiesta🍻 (PSP)
Not a fan
Irish Pub background music. No pot of gold at the end of this rainbow.
The first three tracks get me drunk without alcohol ever passing my lips. After the mad dance, I have to sit down to catch my breath, and a beautiful, heartbroken fairytale is waiting for me, telling me about life's hopes destroyed by alcoholism. OK. I've caught my breath. Back on my feet! Not much inspires me to dance-oh.
Lovely Irish rock
Można się poczuć jak w irlandzkim barze.
I have always loved this album for years, but hadn't listened to it straight through for a long time - maybe a decade? It is even better than I remembered! Great songwriting, amazing instrumentation, and is distinctive enough you'd never confuse it for anything else ... overall, it just oozes talent. Need to listen to this one more! 5/5
Totally not what i was expecting from the album art. Reminded me of Dropkick Murphys. Not my usual go to but not terrible.
Celtic Punk hell yeah
Porque son The Pogues ....
I don't like it, but it belongs on the list. Favorite song: Fiesta.
Different but not bad
Too long 2.5
I want to like it, but I don't.
So many great songs here. Not much to say except that it's an easy 5.
Celtic jazz? Spanish guitar?? Christmas ballads!? All cemented together via drinking-fighting Irish belters??? "Be merry, my friends. Be merry". It's bloody hard to be anything else listening to this. Top craic
LP
I liked this.
2.5
You can't really deny this album of its spot on this list. Its strange uniqueness warrants an appearance, because not many albums can simultaneously sound like traditional Celtic music, Christmas music, and punk music. It's not something that I came away as a new fan of, but it's something I was pleased to have been exposed to at the very least.
Flogging esk
Two words: Irish punk. I love it. Mountain Dew is my favorite track, it’s just fun.
Hyvää aitoa irlantilaista folkki punkkia vahvalla aksentilla
Never really listened to these beyond the two obviously massively famous ones both connected to a MacColl. Ah, Fiesta - they used this as a music bed on the radio so heard this all the time. Banger. I did though used to listen to the Levellers a lot in the 90s. So really I should have been listening to these instead. Faves. Bottle of Smoke, Thousands Are Sailing, Fiesta.
Not their hest
I can really appreciate the Pogues' radical art of stitching the spirit of punk through traditional Irish folk music. I love Irish folk music and really appreciate its beauty and history but one of the parts I love most about it is the story telling and I find it such a shame that I don't hear the lyrics in most of the Pogues tracks because they are extremely poetic and beautiful when I read them. But then I love the idea of punking up the Irish folk music and love the execution. It's so fun to listen to and makes me want to dance. Not loving the Christmas tunes just as the first signed of Spring begin to show outside haha but I'll forgive that for the Pogues. I love how rebellious and outrageous their music was in the mid 80s, it has great energy and spirit which I really click with. Never normally listen to their music in albums like this and would much prefer to go and see them perform live and do some very extravagant and free dancing hahaha!
Well the Pogues aren't necessarily my thing and found this a little too jaunty for a Monday BUT I respect it culturally. I can see why others like this but I won't be relistening in the hurry. Time and place
Bloody Banger. Love it. Love the Pogues. Live Laugh Pogues. Fiesta gets me going, heart racing, bloody pumping.
I listened to the extended edition so not sure how much that changes, first half was quite samey throughout, but the second half threw some fun curveballs. Unfortunately the first half does let it down a bit much imo. Also, it just doesn't feel right belting out a Christmas song in April...
Some craicing tracks on this one...
Different from what I would usually listen to but it's fun! I don't think I'll listen to this very often though.
devo dire che apprezzo molto questa musica
Not what I was expecting, for some reason. But when it comes to celtic/irish punk fusion their style is pretty far behind some of the others in my preferences.
Not a fan.
I liked this a lot, but it did go on a little long
I feel being a few beers deep in an Irish or British pub would go a long way to helping me enjoy this album more.
Only the Christmas song pushed this to 2 stars.
Ehhh not for me. Sounds like every other Irish rock band I've heard. Same instruments, same themes. Just didn't wow me.
It was okay. I wouldn't go out of my way to listen to it, but if it comes on I wouldn't mind.
Inte fullt lika bra som Rum, sodomy and the lash men tillräckligt bra för toppbetyg.
6/10 I guess it’s a well made album, but it’s so so cringey for me to listen to
I played the original release, ending with 'Worms'. A great mix of rock, punk, and Celtic styles. Being a fan of the Celtic music style, and of the Irish Bar Band scene of the 80s and 90s, this fit right in with my preference.
Ehh not really my cup of tea on a best day. A mix of folk, shanties, parody and sad folk. Sad folk, that's a genre I just came up with. Anyhow not my thing, also decidedly WAY TOO LONG Saved tracks: Bottle of Smoke, Medley: The Recruiting Sergeant/ The Rocky Road To Dublin/ Galway Races, Sketches of Spain
Fun irish spin on old school punk.
classic
Except for track 4: Fairy Tale of NY, this record is not my cup of tea. Truthfully, this music genre kills my soul. I am not a fan. It kinda hurts.
i hate it just not my thing, i guess makes me regret all one-star ratings thus far, as i enjoyed all of them more than this ⭐
So, my only real experience with The Pogues up to this point has been Fairytale of New York, which I think is one of the greatest Christmas songs. However, seeing that on here I wasn't sure if the rest of the album would be like that too, and I could have seen myself getting a bit bored with a whole album of that sort of thing. I was pleasantly mistaken! This proved to be a wonderful Celtic punk album with plenty of that Irish folk flair but also with a bit of Turkish and Spanish influence in a few songs. It was rocky enough to keep me hooked, but that wonderful Celtic folk instrumentation paired with Shane McGowan's gruff voice makes me want to find a cozy village pub with a warm fire, have a couple of drinks and simply celebrate my place in this big scary world. This was a really pleasant album that I liked a lot more than I was initially expecting. Favourite: Bottle of Smoke
Not my jam. I found it difficult to take in the lyrics, which I imagine is the main focus of this music. Standout Track: Worms
Not for me
Celtic punk is awesome and this album just so happens to have the best Christmas song ever written (barring the second verse).
Asskolli hresst og mikið flipp. Það þarf ekki að líta langt þegar man spáir í hvar Ljótu hálfvitarnir hafa fengið 95% af sínum innblæstri.
Not my style. But well done.
This is good.
A really enjoyable listen. I’ll probably listen to more now that I’ve been nudged. It was a little odd listening to Fairytale of New York outside of the Christmas build up.
this album shined when the lead singer wasn’t singing. and it was pretty damn good when he wasn’t
This record was surprisingly fun. I could see some of these songs being played in the NHL Slapshot menu or in pubs in St. John's. Not a genre I ever listen to and that probably won't change but it was fun. The album cover made me think it would be a bad listen though. My favourites were "Bottle of Smoke" and the medley on side B. Personal Enjoyment - 7.5 Songwriting - 8 Lyrics - 7.5 Originality - 7 Production Value - 9 Artwork - 5 Overall - 7.6
Hmmm. Wasn’t for me, I didn’t get a lot out of this. I felt like it was…not gimmicky, but just so intensely stylized that it was hard for me to connect with it on a genuine level. I can’t say it was a bad album, just something super unfamiliar to me. So for as much as it didn’t resonate with me, it was a cool opportunity to listening to some Celtic music and try to grow more accustomed to it. Faves: Metropolis, Thousands Are Sailing, The Battle March Medley, Fiesta
The instrumentals/vocals are well done to my ear, just think this isn’t the genre for me. An hour of distinctly Irish music felt a bit tiring when the Pogues opt to use a small set of keys over and over, with not much rhythmic variation on top to spice things up.
Weird Irish rock. I liked one song but the singing really kills what they have going on with the instruments. I'd rather listen to The Cranberries or The Dubliners.
Why would anyone listen to Dropkick Murphys when the Pogues exist
Some more Irish-flavoured pirate shanties that is fun all throughout. Nothing as such stands out - but the entire record is good - so... a good album.
Kind of funny to listen to. Don't know if I would do the whole album again but a song here or there is maybe okay.
I'm not in Ireland. See next review Pogues for more context. Still got some banging tunes haha e.g Fairytale of NY
A classic. Title track, Turkish Song, Fairytale, and Lullaby of London are all phenomenal. The expanded edition is a little long, but all of the extra songs are good (especially those Dubliners collabs). Worms was weird. As a whole, this is unique, brash, confident, energetic, and gorgeous. May not be for everyone but definitely a record everyone should listen to.
Просто прекрасно оранжированная и исполненная музыка по всем фронтам. Ирландский фолк идеально пропитан панковским настроением и текстами - юморной, суматошный и дико энергичный; местами красивый и трогательный, а также грустный, но без какого-то уныния, а скорее с ноткой надежды, иронии и типичного панку противостояния нормам. По сути я бы дал 4 звезды, но Господи боже как же они ебашат (8.5)
Like listening to high school drama class warm ups. There a time and place for this and yesterday was not it
Wtf is this. Didn't expect this kind of music to appear, but it just shows the variety of the albums.
It’s not as good as Rum, but still has some wonderful moments.
Really fun for about 4 songs, and then it's very difficult to listen to. There's only so much Irish pub a man can take.
é engraçado ouvir rock com esse estilo irlandes. faz pensar como rock é moldavel. eu não sei o que pensar desse album, acho que eu não gosto de irlandeses. eu so ouvi metade dele e enjoei do estilo da irlanda.
Not there best, but does have one of the best Christmas songs of all time
Yeahhh I was really not feeling this one. Extra star for cultural significant and I did really like the last few songs but little else. The random Spanish songs stuck out but were fun.
This was pretty hot and cold for me. I enjoyed the more raucous tunes, but any time things mellowed down and got more folky, Shane MacGowan's voice and/or delivery just didn't do much for me. On average it's a decent record.
I wanted to dislike this, but actually it's pretty good. I know if I listened to it 1-2 more times through I'd like it less though. 3.49/5
The only Pogues song I know is the one they played at the Irish wakes in The Wire, and that isn’t here. This is still good, if pretty samey and not ultimately my thing. But I feel like if I was to own one Irish jig album, this would be it. C
I shouldn't have been surprised that I enjoyed this so much, really; I've always had a thing for traditional Irish music. There are lots of irresistible Celtic (& other European) rhythms to dance or yell wildly along to here, plus some grit and substance to the lyrics. Also, though it's easy to disregard on a February day such as this, there's one of the most iconic Christmas songs ever on here too. Which has to be worth something, no?
Could not finish, just so not my thing. Felt like I was in an adventure, medieval video game, completing a quest somewhere in a pub or a tavern, where a bunch of fat, angry, red-headed men are drinking beer and burping. Not a fan. Fairytale of New York was a bit more manageable to listen to. I guess Kirsty MacColl was the slightly redeeming part.
3+ stars, nice album.
massa o folkzao irlandes
I loved each song individually, but the album as a whole is a little to chaotic to get a full 5 stars from me. Top tracks: Turkish Song of the Damned, Bottle of Smoke, Streets of Sorrow/Birmingham Six, and South Australia
For the longest time, I thought I didn't like The Pogues because their most famous song ("Fairytale of New York") is kind of lame. Turns out it's not representative of who they are, and I'm glad I didn't have to wait until now to figure it out. Anyway, they're the kings of Irish Rock for me. You can keep the other bands. This is where it's at. Best track: Turkish Song of the Damned
Best Song: Bottle of Smoke. The raw, biting, polk-funk atmosphere is thickest on this track. Worst Song: Fairytale of New York. Cheesy and overwrought. This feels like the sentimentality of a drunk at the end of a long night, when they think they're being thoughtful and articulate and sweet but really they're just being cliché. Overall: A bit too long, but nicely broad ranging, with a mix of folk classics and heavier originals. Works best when the energy is high.
Awful shit
I enjoyed the instrumentation of this album, even with the limited range of the vocalist. I did like him singing with the guest vocalists. Strangely, after this album Spotify thought I wanted to hear Christmas songs. That was weird. Anyway, it was definitely a change of pace and with the vocalist, I was surprised that there was a wider range of song styles than I expected. Still, I just don't think I would come back to listen to the entire album all at once, but a song or two on shuffle is pretty nice.
Cool idea and all - Irish folk mixed with punk. I have friends who love bands like the Dropkick Murphy's and would love this. I just don't see what is so exceptional about how it all comes together. A fine listen, but nothing to really hook me or make me go looking for more of their collection. Bottle of Smoke and Streets of Sorrow stood out. Fairytale of New York was an interesting anti-Christmas songs song. Fiesta was a nice bait and switch from soft to punk. The rest just kind of mixed together.
Pleasant enough listen, but too much of same-same throughout. Nothing bad, just not an album I needed to hear before I die. Tracks that caught my ear: If I Should Fall from Grace with God, Turkish Song of the Damned, Battle of Smoke, Metropolis, Streets of Sorrow. Moving on.
I think I said this in my last Pogues review, but I can’t get over how Shane McGowan isn’t even Irish. He’s from Kent! My mind is blown every time I hear him sing. Songs I already knew: Fairytale Of New York, Fiesta Favourites: Fiesta, Turkish Song Of The Damned I don’t think I’ll ever decide whether I like Shane McGowan’s voice. I’m always airing towards saying no, but then again the Pogues would sound bizarre with a perfect singer. The tracks here don’t really feel as strong as on Rum, Sodomy & the Lash with a few exceptions (Fiesta is such a good song), but that’s not to say it’s bad by any means. Of course, Fairytale Of New York needs a mention, although I do think that radio play at Christmas has pretty much ruined it at this point. If any radio DJs ever read this… moderation!!!
irish folk punk. it's good for what it is but not music I'd listen to
To me, The Pogues have always sounded like some random people in Ireland doing a karaoke, not professional singers. But I guess that's part of the charm
Good Ol’ Irish fun, lots of familiar tracks on here.
Nobody told me the Pogues were awesome
much better than I expected, the blend of Celtic and folk rock worked well. vocals were not annoying at all, and I can see this growing on me a lot on subsequent listens
Felt like I was in Temple Bar for the whole thing. Fiesta is class. Was going to give it a 2 because I don’t think I’d go back to it/not something I’d lash on in the car but I feel that’s a bit harsh so low 3 for me. Pogue Mahone
Giving this a 1 because i can't stand their christmas song that gets played to death. Didn't even listen to album. What a bastard man i am.
This was brilliant from start to finish. The biggest downside was listening to one of the most famous Christmas songs in March. I honestly enjoyed every song but 'Thousands are Sailing' was a stand out. The opening song just gets the juices flowing. I nearly ran to Pogue Mahones Bar in town to order a Guinness. I will gladly return to this album many times
Can dig. More Celtic stuff please.
This album may as well be part of my DNA… loved it as a kid, love it just the same now.
Some people are really into raucous sloppy irish bar bands, not this guy
This is a great take on traditional Irish folk music. The high energy and fun lyrics are an absolute blast to listen to. I'm not too familiar with the ins and outs of what makes Irish folk music good, but to my ears, this is a terrific example of it. 4.5 stars
oof that was a slog. Could see enjoying it after a few pints, tho.
Really big fan. The fusion of Irish folk with punk rock sensibilities works so well on all of these tracks. An album that I found gets better and better upon subsequent listens.
82 / 1069 Somehow had not heard this album. Fantastic Celtic Rock. As someone who loves Flogging Molly you can see where they got their inspiration from!
Interesting
Pretty good
Surprising.
Was a fun listen but in no hurry to listen a second time.
Ok in short bursts
nice instrumentals but vocals aren't my cup of tea
What a roller coaster of sounds in this album. I cannot understand some of the Irish accent, but it was still beautiful. I loved the latin influences in fiesta and the Spain one.
Not my cup of tea.
Just their shambolic best. Love this
Amazing. I just love this sound. The raw energy and attitude of punk paired with the universally understood melodies and chords of Celtic music. Have the accordion and flute paired with fast drumming is so engaging, and the most punk thing about the band is their ability to slow down and play a ballad as well. I love this sound and it makes me nostalgic to a place I have no connection to!
As always, Celtic influenced rock/punk is just a banger. This one is no different, very entertaining album that only suffers from being a bit too long and generally the songs sounding very similar
Some really great songs in between some obvious filler. Something about the blending of rock and Irish traditional music that is just pleasant on the ear. The lyrics are biting and sorrowful, adding contrast to the bouncing and infectious instrumentation.